§ 11. Mr. P. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Transport whether he will now impose the 40 m.p.h. speed limit on the Ashbourne Road from Kingsway to the Derby County Borough boundary, which was promised by his predecessor in 1958; and whether he is aware that since this promise was made there have been 37 accidents on this 1½-mile section of trunk road.
§ Mr. MarplesI made the necessary order on 9th May. It comes into operation on 13th June.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWhile expressing gratitude that the Minister has at long last made this order, may I ask whether, in view of the 37 accidents which have happened on this small stretch of road since the speed limit was first promised, he will now instruct his regional officer that the prevention of death and injury is of higher priority than allowing motorcar drivers to drive at a high speed in a place which is known to be dangerous?
§ Mr. MarplesI have, I think, given the right hon. Gentleman the answer he wanted. A speed limit is to be brought into force. I assure him that all the officers of my Department are conscious of the problem that is caused by accidents on the road.